Excessive exposure of heavy metals in drinking water can cause development delays, high blood pressure, organ damage, cancer, and other severe health effects.
The young are more prone to the toxic effects of heavy metals, as the rapidly developing body systems in the fetus, infants and young children are far more sensitive.
Childhood exposure to some metals can result in learning difficulties, memory impairment, damage to the nervous system, and behavioral problems such as aggressiveness and hyperactivity.